Two weeks from today I’ll be visiting Fair Park Elementary School in West Bend, WI.

It’s been a long time since I set foot in a school. I’m looking forward to talking about the writing process, life as an author, Frankie, compassion, empathy, and making a difference. And most of all encouraging students how important writing and reading is in their lives – whether they pursue writing as a career or not.

Of course, I won’t have my side-kick Frankie with me. It’s been almost four years since she has been gone, which is how long it’s been since I’ve done a presentation also.

But her message is still one kids and adults can learn from. And this time I’ll be talking more about the process of writing, which will be a new experience for me, and one I’m looking forward to.

I bought a stuffed dachshund toy to use for demonstration purposes and to show how wheelchairs work for dogs. I’ll be tying this in with talking about empathy. I really wanted a brown dachshund, but couldn’t find one big enough. So black and tan it is and will still make the point.

When the principal, a friend of mine, contacted me before Christmas, asking if I’d visit their school, I wasn’t sure I was up to doing it. Those old nerves certainly never seem to go away no matter how many times I’ve talked in front of a room of people! But a part of me was curiously open to the idea and wanted to give it a try.

Yesterday I received the list of questions the students prepared for me. We will be doing this mostly as Q & A sessions which I love to do. I’ll work on preparing photos to go along with some of my answers to add a visual component.

I’m so impressed with how organized the school is for the visit with an agenda they also sent me. In the morning I’ll talk with the K-2 students, then a lunch and learn with staff, and in the afternoon will meet with the 3-4 grade students. It will be a full day!

So…..here we go Frankie….in a new way!

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